Money & Banking

General Information
Payment in hotels, travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some of the International Banks have their own offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, etc. are accepted in Nepal at major hotels, shops and restaurants.

Remember: Check your credit card expiration dates if you are leaving for an extended journey.

All visitors are required to exchange their money through the bank or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters. These facilities to change money are quick and convenient. We are told it is necessary to ask for receipts when money is changed. On the return journey, if you are left with Nepalese rupees, they can exchange 10% against exchange receipts to about 10 or 12 different kinds of foreign currency at the Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu.

Note: Retain Rs. 1100 for airport tax when departing Nepal by air.

Major banks, hotels, and the exchange counters at Tribhuvan Airport provide services for exchanging foreign currency. US dollar traveler’s checks can be purchased from American Express at Durbar Marg and other major banks in Kathmandu. Banks typically charge 1% of the face value to cash traveler’s checks.

When traveling around Nepal, change large bills whenever you can. Taxis, Bicycle Rickshaws and small shops seldom have small bills. Do not be afraid to ask local shops for change, but expect to ask three or four before someone can/will change your large bill.

ATM
Standard Charted Bank (used to be Grindlays Bank) is offering ATM service in it’s different branches in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can get cash advances on both Visa and Master card. These ATMs are accessible 24 hours a day. One is located down the drive to the Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, another one is next to the Roadhouse Cafe in Thamel, another one is located in the bank’s head office – New Baneshwor and one at the branch on Kantipath.

Banks
Banks are open 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday, Nepal Bank Ltd. on New Road (Ph: 4221185) is open 7 am to 7 pm all days of the week. The Kantipath branch (Ph: 4227375) is open 9 am to 3.30 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Rastriya Banijya Bank exchange counter at Bishal Bazaar (Ph: 4223776) is open 9 am to 3 pm daily except holidays.

George Mittendor
I am originally from California and have always dreamed of hiking through Nepal. I went with my girlfriend on the Everest Base Camp Trek. I am really glad that we went with this company because of our great Nepali guide, Keshab Khanal. He spoke English well, was knowledgeable about the surroundings,